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Empowering Communities, Energizing the Future: In Conversation with Dr. Faruk G. Patel, CMD, KP Group

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Dr. Faruk G. Patel, Chairman and Managing Director of KP Group

From a small logistics venture in 1994 to a diversified renewable energy conglomerate valued at over ₹165 billion, KP Group has built its success on a clear vision — to align business growth with social good. Under the leadership of Dr. Faruk G. Patel, Chairman and Managing Director of KP Group, a visionary entrepreneur and respected industry leader known for his commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth, the Group has become a leading name in solar, wind, and hybrid power solutions, while expanding into green hydrogen and ammonia as part of India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.

In this interaction with TheCSRUniverse, Dr. Patel shares how KP Group’s evolution reflects his belief that doing good can be good business. He talks about creating livelihoods through renewable energy projects, integrating education with sustainability through initiatives like the Urja Noor Scholarship, and ensuring that every watt of power generated also lights up lives. From large-scale tree plantations and rainwater harvesting systems to India’s first Old Age Home for Specially-Abled Individuals at Bharuch, KP Group’s initiatives demonstrate how clean energy can drive inclusive and lasting development.

Read on as Dr. Faruk G. Patel discusses KP Group’s approach to Corporate Spiritual Responsibility, the measurable human impact of its CSR programmes, and his vision for a future where education becomes the most renewable energy source of all.

Q&A 

Q. KP Group has grown from a logistics venture into a diverse conglomerate with strong investments in renewable energy. How has this evolution shaped your vision of business as a force for social good?

A. When I began KP Group nearly three decades ago, I always believed business should not just generate wealth, but generate well-being. Our journey from logistics to renewable energy was not just a diversification—it was a transformation of purpose. The transition into solar, wind, and now green hydrogen and ammonia has made us realize that business can be a profound enabler of positive change. True success, to me, lies in the lives we brighten, the communities we empower, and the planet we protect.

Q. Your work emphasizes both pecuniary and social objectives. How do you ensure that profitability and purpose go hand in hand across KP Group’s businesses?

A. At KP Group, purpose drives profitability. Every decision—whether it’s setting up renewable infrastructure or expanding into hydrogen—is built on the principle that doing good can be good business. When we build solar or wind parks, we also build local employment, skill development, and community infrastructure. The revenue fuels our social initiatives, and our impact builds trust—creating a self-sustaining cycle where business growth and societal good progress together.

Q. KP Group is deeply invested in solar, wind, and now green hydrogen and ammonia. Beyond business value, what kind of long-term environmental and community impact do you see these sectors driving in India?

A. Renewable energy is the foundation of India’s sustainable growth story. Every solar panel and turbine we install contributes to a cleaner, more resilient future. Our projects in solar, wind, and hydrogen are not only reducing carbon emissions but also empowering local communities with new livelihoods. The renewable sector will be the bridge between environmental progress and economic inclusion. When we generate clean power, we’re also generating hope—for villages, youth, and future generations.

Q. Could you share some community initiatives around water conservation, plantation, or recycling that stand out for their impact?

A. Under the KP Human Development Foundation, we have executed over 300 impactful initiatives. These include large-scale tree plantations, rainwater harvesting systems, and sustainable recycling campaigns. One of our proudest projects is the world’s first Old Age Home for specially-abled individuals at Jhagadia, Bharuch—a symbol of compassion and inclusive care. We’ve also installed rooftop solar plants at social institutions to promote renewable adoption. These initiatives reflect our belief that environmental sustainability and human dignity must grow together.

Q. What role do you see KP Group playing in bridging the gap between clean energy solutions and inclusive community development?

A. Our approach is simple—every watt of energy we produce must illuminate a life. We actively link renewable energy with education and empowerment. Through collaborations like Urja Noor Scholarship with PP Savani University, we’re encouraging engineering students to pursue careers in green energy. Alongside, we offer scholarships across various educational institutions to ensure financial barriers never stop bright minds from growing.

We have adopted seven schools and one college, benefitting over 14,500 students directly and indirectly. In association with SVNIT under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) initiative, we also educate rural youth on how to install and maintain solar plants—building both green skills and green awareness.

Our primary focus has always been education, because we believe knowledge is the most renewable energy source of all.

Q. How does KP Group’s approach to CSR go beyond compliance, and how do you measure the impact of your initiatives?

A. At KP Group, CSR is not about compliance—it’s about commitment. We call it Corporate Spiritual Responsibility. Every project is designed with empathy, measured in human impact rather than corporate metrics. Our initiatives span education, renewable access, healthcare, and social welfare, each tracked through tangible results: schools improved, students supported, trees planted, families empowered. When I see students under our scholarships enter the workforce as green engineers, I know the impact is real, measurable, and lasting.

Q. What lessons from your journey do you believe are most relevant for corporates seeking to embed sustainability and social impact into their growth strategies?

A. The first lesson is—lead with intent, not image. Sustainability cannot be a PR exercise; it must be a purpose. Second, consistency matters more than scale. Even small actions, done repeatedly, create large ripples of change. And third, never separate compassion from commerce. The most resilient companies are those that grow with conscience. My journey has taught me that when you align ethics, empathy, and efficiency—success becomes inevitable and meaningful.

Q. Could you share an example of a KP Group initiative that has created a noticeable impact in the community? What engagement mechanisms ensure its long-term sustainability?

A. Our Rooftop Solar Donation Program is a perfect reflection of our ethos. We’ve installed solar systems at multiple charitable and educational institutions across Gujarat, ensuring they save on electricity costs and embrace clean power. These systems are maintained and monitored by our team, while we train local volunteers for upkeep. This ensures continuity and community ownership. When beneficiaries become the custodians of sustainability, impact becomes permanent.

Q. What are your priorities for KP Group in terms of CSR and sustainability in the coming years?

A. Our immediate priorities are to scale educational impact, complete the Old Age Home for Specially-Abled People, and expand our Urja Noor initiative across more universities. We aim to solarize more schools, promote water conservation, and integrate renewable education into rural curriculums. The vision is to create a generation that not only studies energy but understands its responsibility. We want every project, every student, and every tree planted to be a step toward a self-reliant, sustainable India.

Q. As India advances toward its clean energy and net-zero targets, what do you think should be the collective role of corporates in accelerating this transition while ensuring inclusive development?

A. The road to net-zero is not a race—it’s a responsibility. Corporates must recognize that climate action and community inclusion go hand in hand. We cannot build a greener India without building a fairer one. Each company, big or small, should view sustainability not as charity, but as strategy. Together, through conscious collaboration, we can ensure India’s clean energy revolution uplifts not just the economy—but every citizen standing behind it.

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